School Bus Safety: What You Should Know

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School Bus Safety: What You Should Know

McGuinty Government Helping Kids Get Back to School Safely

With a new school year around the corner, Ontario is reminding drivers to do their part to keep children safe near school buses.

Drivers should follow these tips:

Stop and never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.

Leave space around school buses and avoid blocking school bus loading zones so children can enter and exit safely.

Be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time, not just during school hours.

Always obey the rules of the road and watch for children, especially in school zones.

Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and school crossings.

Parents can also help keep their children safe by reminding them to be aware of their surroundings when they are on or near school buses.

Quick Facts

More than 800,000 children ride school buses every day in Ontario.

Beginning in 2008, the McGuinty government improved the safety of all school buses by making crossing arms mandatory. In 2010, extra emergency windows and improved side mirrors were made mandatory for all school buses.

Drivers can be fined up to $2,000 and six demerit points for failing to stop for a school bus.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Help make back-to-school season safe for everyone by driving with caution near schools and school buses. All drivers and cyclists are responsible for keeping children safe - slow down, stay alert and prepare to stop when the red lights are flashing.”

Bob Chiarelli

Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Transportation

“School buses are the safest way to get kids to and from school, but it's not just bus drivers and students who need to keep safety in mind. We ask all drivers to review the rules to ensure safety throughout the school year.”